Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Kakuonji, Kamakura)

Japanese title: 紅葉特別参拝（覚園寺）

Kakuonji Temple (Nikaido, Kamakura) (Kamakura Sta.)

Kakuonji extends its hours to 7pm and lights up the autumn foliage in the evening (last entry 6:40pm).

Dates

Nov 25 (Wed) – Dec 10 (Thu)

Time

09:00–19:00

Price

Adults ¥500, elementary/junior high ¥200

Venue

Kakuonji Temple (Nikaido, Kamakura)

Nearest station

Kamakura Sta.

Check closed days and last admission on the official page before you go.

Kyochika's take

Kakuonji opens until 7 p.m. only during the autumn-leaf season.

Visiting hours are extended, and the leaves are shown lit up at night. Last entry is 18:40.

This temple lies in a valley away from Kamakura Station. It seems good for people who want to see autumn leaves after dark in a quiet Kamakura.

About this event

During the autumn foliage season, Kakuonji temple in Nikaido, Kamakura, extends its visiting hours into the evening and lights up the maples after dark. The grounds have many maples, and the contrast between the leaves, the halls and the stone lanterns is the main attraction. Beyond the stone steps and gate, the precinct keeps the feel of a medieval Kamakura valley.

Highlights

• See the maples illuminated after dark
• Many maples, beautifully contrasted with halls and stone lanterns
• Peak color is usually late November to mid-December, the temple says
• The whole precinct is a National Historic Site, incl. the Hyakuhachi Yagura caves
• Home to the Kuro Jizo statue, an Important Cultural Property

Good for

Anyone who wants to see autumn leaves by day and by night at a quiet Kamakura temple

Good to know

• Guests staying in Kamakura can ask their hotel to request entry from 7 am; the temple will accommodate this as far as possible
• The usual temple rules, including photography rules, still apply
• From Kamakura Station take a bus bound for Kamakura-gu to the last stop, Daitonomiya, then walk about 10 minutes
• Check the latest information with Kakuonji (0467-22-1195)

Summarized from the official page and press materials.

When and why was Kakuonji founded?

It began in 1218 (Kenpo 6) as a Yakushi hall, the Okura Yakushido, built by Hojo Yoshitoki. In December of that year a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the healing Buddha, was enshrined and dedicated.

In 1296 (Einin 4), Hojo Sadatoki turned the hall into a temple and renamed it Kakuonji, praying for protection against the Mongol invasions. Its founding priest was Chikai Shine. It later became a temple of imperial prayer under Emperor Go-Daigo, and a prayer temple of the Ashikaga clan in the Muromachi period. Originally it combined the study of four schools, Shingon, Ritsu, Zen and Pure Land, but in the early Meiji era it declared itself Shingon, following its head temple, Sennyuji in Kyoto.

The standing Jizo statue in the Jizo Hall, also called Kuro Jizo (Black Jizo) or Hiyaki Jizo, is revered by firefighters. These special evenings are a chance to visit a valley temple whose story began with a Yakushi hall more than 800 years ago.

Kotobank: Kakuonji (Japanese) · Walkerplus Koyo: Kakuonji (Japanese) · Kamakura City Tourism Association: Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Japanese)

Distance from major stations

From Kita-Kamakura

2.4 km, about 15 min by train

From Kamakura

2.5 km, about 15 min by train

From Hongodai

2.6 km, about 15 min by train

From Hase

4.0 km, about 20 min by train

Distances are straight-line; times are rough estimates.

Other events nearby

• Kamakura Museum of National Treasures: Zuisenji 700 YearsKamakura Museum of National Treasures (Kamakura Sta.) · 1.6 km, about 15 min by train from here · Oct 24 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)
• VIE presents ZEN NIGHT Kamakura (Night Viewing at Kenchoji in Autumn Colors)Kenchoji Temple (Kamakura) (Kita-Kamakura Sta.) · 1.8 km, about 15 min by train from here · Oct 29 (Thu) – Dec 6 (Sun)
• Chojuji Temple Autumn Special Opening (Kamakura)Chojuji Temple (Kita-Kamakura) (Kita-Kamakura Sta.) · 2.3 km, about 15 min by train from here · Oct 2 (Fri) – Dec 7 (Mon)
• Mandarado Yagura Caves: Autumn Limited OpeningMandarado Yagura (Nagoe Kiridoshi historic site) (Zushi Sta.) · 3.0 km, about 15 min by train from here · Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 14 (Mon)
• Yokohama Kanazawa Zoo: 40th Anniversary of the Koalas and Eastern Grey KangaroosYokohama Kanazawa Zoo (Kanazawa-bunko Sta.) · 3.4 km, about 20 min by train from here · Oct 13 (Tue) – Dec 27 (Sun)
• Hasedera Temple Autumn Night Viewing & Foliage Light-upHasedera Temple (Kamakura) (Hase Sta.) · 4.2 km, about 20 min by train from here · Nov 21 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)

Food and cafes nearby

Search places around the venue on Google Maps.

Tours and tickets nearby

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FAQ

What is Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Kakuonji, Kamakura)?

During the autumn foliage season, Kakuonji temple in Nikaido, Kamakura, extends its visiting hours into the evening and lights up the maples after dark. The grounds have many maples, and the contrast between the leaves, the halls and the stone lanterns is the main attraction. Beyond the stone steps and gate, the precinct keeps the feel of a medieval Kamakura valley.

When is Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Kakuonji, Kamakura)?

Nov 25 (Wed) – Dec 10 (Thu)

What are the opening hours of Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Kakuonji, Kamakura)?

09:00–19:00 Check the official page for closed days and last admission.

How much does Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Kakuonji, Kamakura) cost?

Adults ¥500, elementary/junior high ¥200

Where is Autumn Leaves Special Visit (Kakuonji, Kamakura) and what is the nearest station?

It is held at Kakuonji Temple (Nikaido, Kamakura). The nearest station is Kamakura Sta..

The photo shows the venue or its surroundings, not the event itself.

Checked against the official page on October 27, 2026. Titles and descriptions are our own translations.